Thai Zoo Director to Be Deported After Banning Israelis

Thai authorities have ordered the deportation of Kevin Dimino, a French national and director of the Samui Exotic Park, for refusing entry to Israeli visitors. The order, issued on September 7, follows a similar deportation order for an Israeli national who had a conflict with Dimino. Dimino, who has lived in Thailand for over a decade, is accused of threats, physical violence, and inciting racial and religious hatred. He has seven days to appeal the decision.

The incident began in July 2026 when Dimino displayed a Palestinian flag and signs at the zoo stating that Israelis were banned. This led to a public confrontation with an Israeli resident of Koh Samui, with video evidence showing Dimino assaulting the man. Dimino claimed he and his family received threats, and his mother's home in France was set on fire. Simultaneously, police investigated a report that the Israeli man offered a reward for information to harm Dimino.

A local court found the Israeli national guilty of threatening to kill the zoo owners. He was initially sentenced to one month in prison and a fine, which was halved after he admitted guilt, resulting in a 15-day sentence and a smaller fine, along with a two-year suspended sentence. The Thai Ministry of Interior subsequently ordered his deportation, citing behavior contrary to public order and morality.

The Samui Exotic Park is managed by Dimino and his Thai wife. The conflict escalated after the zoo owners posted on social media that Israelis were banned, with Dimino stating, "YES NO ISRAEL IN MY PARK IS CLEAR LIKE THAT." He claimed this policy was due to past behavior of Israeli tourists, not political motives. An Israeli family reported being denied entry in August 2026 after staff asked their origin and then stated Israelis were not allowed.

Thai authorities have stated they are taking action only against specific offenders, regardless of nationality, and are addressing a recent increase in conflicts involving Israeli tourists in Thailand, alongside reports of hostility towards them from businesses.